In this edition, we look at the ways that school partnerships complement the Free To Grow approach. Why Are School Partnerships Important to the Free To Grow Approach?
While Free To Grow's prevention approach is not curricular, schools are nonetheless mandated partners in the program's work. Why? From the initiative's perspective, schools provide critical access to the families of young children. They have the capacity to engage families in self and community efficacy activities on behalf of their children's healthy development.
Schools can also provide an opportunity to establish a continuum of support for families who have received support through Head Start, home visiting and other early intervention programs in the community. This support can be critical for addressing family barriers to learning such as mental health, substance abuse or family violence issues. A growing number of comprehensive school reform efforts recognize the potential role that schools can have in supporting families and transforming communities. | 
